As part of my web development program, I’ve been paired with a fantastic mentor (shout out, Jeremy!). We’ve completed only one session; yet, I want to share on how his mentoring is already influencing my learning process.
(1) I feel more secure: Before Jeremy, I had access to course instructors and other students, but there’s something so comforting about having my “own person” to whom I can reveal just how confused I am about what I’m learning.
(2) I am more efficient: Being able to glean from Jeremy’s expertise means I’m not pressured to research every single obscure concept I encounter to death. I read just enough not to be totally ignorant, make a note on what to ask Jeremy, then forge ahead with my learning.
(3) I am more disciplined: I’m loathe to be that mentee who is a royal waste of time and energy. My weekly meeting with Jeremy motivates me to work hard and possibly impress him (well, as much as a Ruby novice can impress a 10-year veteran anyways!). I want to keep proving to Jeremy that I am a worthy investment of his time and efforts.
When I think about the bulk of my professional life before this, mentorship has been largely absent. I wonder how much more accomplished I’d be today had I been proactive about finding and maintaining mentoring relationships. But no use crying over the proverbial spilt milk; I now see how indispensable mentorship is in building a successful career, and I intend to firmly incorporate it moving forward.
Top comments (2)
Totally agree w/ number 1.
Seems like your mentor knows the same language(s) you know. Awesome.
I'd encourage others to get a mentor who may not even know the same language but a solid veteran. If your gap is OOP, get someone w/ that for example.
My mentor is just as I described - a Java / JavaScript guru who works in cyber security. I get all kind of gems from him, w/ number 1 being the biggest (in this scenario)
Is this mentorship something you pay for is it something as part of the company's (that you work for) policy to partner new employees with seniors?